Here's a great volunteer opportunity! Most of the following information is from Janis Adler, citizen chair of the Portland Utility Review Board (PURB):

The PURB reviews proposed water, sewer, solid waste and recycling rates and makes recommendations regarding adoption of the proposed rates from a citizen and business user’s perspective, to the Portland City Council. Advised by high-level staff from the Portland Water Bureau, the Bureau of Environmental Services, and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the PURB receives administrative assistance from the Office of Management and Finance. They also consider comments from affected ratepayers. While the PURB's recommendation is advisory rather than mandatory in the rate-setting process, it is an important Board whose advice the Council considers carefully.

The PURB is intended to be a 9-person board. Currently, there are two vacancies: one at-large position and another member representing commercial/industrial ratepayers. Ideally, one or both of these positions would be filled with someone with an engineering background.

The PURB as a valuable, on-going resource to help gauge community sentiment on utility rates and related issues. The PURB meets monthly at 4:30 PM, on the third Thursday of the month in the Lovejoy Room at City Hall.

Please contact Patti Howard in my office if you are interested in volunteering for this important Board.